Best Dispersed Camping near Pittsburg, MO

Dispersed camping near Pittsburg, Missouri centers primarily on the Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, which offers primitive sites with minimal amenities. This free camping area features open grassy spaces suitable for both tent and RV camping, with drive-in access available. The conservation area includes a lake that attracts wildlife and provides fishing opportunities, though the water is typically shallow and muddy. No designated campsites exist, allowing campers to select their own spots within the open areas.

Access to the Montrose Conservation Area is relatively straightforward via paved roads leading to gravel loops within the property. No high-clearance vehicles are required for entry. The area has seasonal restrictions, notably a fishing prohibition after October 15 due to duck hunting season, though camping remains permitted year-round. Pit toilets are available but frequently described as poorly maintained. The area lacks drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and formal fire rings. Campers should prepare for self-sufficient stays by bringing all necessary supplies, including water and toilet paper.

The camping experience at Montrose Conservation Area features good spacing between sites and a mix of sun and shade. "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse," noted one visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting sightings of raccoons, beavers, cranes, deer, and owls. The Toronto Springs Dispersed camping area provides another free option in the region, described as "completely free, clean and shaded" by a recent visitor. Both locations offer quieter alternatives to developed campgrounds, though road noise can be noticeable at Montrose. Cell service appears reliable at Montrose Conservation Area, with Verizon reported to have good coverage.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pittsburg, Missouri (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pittsburg, MO

9 Photos of 5 Pittsburg Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pittsburg, MO

12 Reviews of 5 Pittsburg Campgrounds


  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Stinky toilet

    Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

  • Leni K.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Great Secluded Dispersed Camping

    There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.

  • Sarah The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    montrose conservation area missouri

    this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.

    the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend  water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall. 

    all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.

  • T
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful!!!

    Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.

  • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyed Our Stay

    Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected.

    Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    I Made a Kittah Friend

    There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣

    Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.

    One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.

    If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣

  • Charles N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Amazing experience!

    We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!

  • R
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    One night stop

    Nice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Toronto Springs Dispersed

    Primitive camping

    Completely free clean and shaded couldn’t ask for better


Guide to Pittsburg

Dispersed camping options near Pittsburg, Missouri extend beyond the primary Montrose Conservation Area. The region sits within the Osage Plains physiographic region at approximately 850 feet elevation, characterized by rolling grasslands interspersed with oak-hickory woodlands. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months average 70-90°F with moderate humidity that can affect camping comfort.

What to do

Wildlife photography opportunities: At Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping, the diverse ecosystem attracts photographers. "There is loads of wildlife to see and aren't much scared of humans, raccoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, deer, owls and much more," notes Sarah, highlighting the natural viewing opportunities.

Artifact hunting: Local history enthusiasts might enjoy searching the grounds. According to Andi P., "One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that's a good activity if the kids are bored."

Seasonal berry picking: When camping in late summer and fall, look for wild edibles. The conservation area has "blackberries in the fall" according to visitor reviews, providing a natural snack option during autumn camping trips.

Fishing access: Toronto Springs Dispersed offers water recreation opportunities. "Completely free clean and shaded couldn't ask for better," reports Zachary C., making it a good alternative fishing spot when Montrose restricts fishing during hunting season.

What campers like

Stargazing conditions: The rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Poague Campsite #3 mentioned, "The stars were beautiful, the sites were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."

Solitude and spacing: Most dispersed sites offer good separation between campers. Mark D. noted at Montrose, "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations," allowing visitors to select sites with privacy.

Unexpected amenities: Despite being free sites, some areas maintain basic facilities. T N. reported, "Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run," indicating maintenance levels can sometimes exceed expectations for dispersed camping.

Local character: The authentic rural experience includes unexpected encounters. Andi P. shared, "There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help."

What you should know

Seasonal usage restrictions: Understanding the hunting calendar is critical. One camper warned about Montrose: "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot!"

Facility conditions vary: Bathroom facilities require realistic expectations. Lee F. reported, "The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper," while another visitor described them as "absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."

Water quality considerations: Lakes and ponds may not be suitable for recreation. A visitor noted, "Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife," and another mentioned "the lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt."

Local resources: Poague Campsite #4 campers can find unexpected services nearby. "If you're looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it's Rick's Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably," shared one resourceful camper.

Tips for camping with families

Bring entertainment: With limited amenities, pack activities. The arrowhead hunting mentioned by campers provides "a good activity if the kids are bored" at these minimalist sites.

Safety planning: Establish clear boundaries due to potential hazards. Near the water areas, Ron P. noted the location "was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake" but warned about facility conditions, suggesting families prepare alternative bathroom solutions.

Pet considerations: Montrose Missouri Conservation Area welcomes pets with "plenty of room for dogs to run" according to visitors, making it suitable for family camping with four-legged members.

Tips from RVers

Access assessment: Most dispersed areas have sufficient access for moderate-sized rigs. A camper reported, "You could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads," though this may vary seasonally.

Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on ground conditions. "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse," shared Lee F., indicating solid terrain for parking RVs without getting stuck.

Overnight vs. extended stays: Consider the amenities for your trip length. Ron P. advised, "Nice location for an overnight stop but not much more," suggesting free camping near Pittsburg, Missouri works best for RVers as transit accommodations rather than destination camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pittsburg, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pittsburg, MO is Pleasant Hope Conservation with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pittsburg, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Pittsburg, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.